Australia Then and Now: 45 Years of Extraordinary Change

Australians just completed the 2026 Census, the largest and most important statistical exercise conducted in this country which provide a snapshot of who we are, where we live, how we work, what our households look like and how our society is changing.

Of course, Census results are more than a collection of interesting facts. They influence where governments build schools, hospitals and roads, where businesses invest and, for property investors, where future housing demand is likely to emerge.

In today's episode Simon Kuestenmacher and I use the Census as an opportunity to look back at how Australia has changed since 1981, when our population was only 14.5 million.

We examine how Australia has nearly doubled its population since 1981 while continuing to concentrate growth in its established cities.

We explore how smaller households, later family formation and an ageing population are reshaping housing demand and property markets.

We discuss the nation's changing migration patterns, increasing cultural diversity and the shift away from traditional religious affiliations.

We consider what Australia's projected growth towards 40 million people could mean for infrastructure, housing affordability, city planning and future investment decisions.

Takeaways

• Australia's population growth has intensified pressure on established cities

• Population growth without new cities has increased land values

• Smaller households require more dwellings across Australia

• Later family formation is reshaping housing preferences

• An ageing population will influence future housing demand

• Baby boomers may eventually release established homes

• Migration patterns are becoming increasingly Asian

• Cultural diversity is changing neighbourhood preferences

• Knowledge work is replacing traditional manufacturing employment

• Future growth requires better long-term infrastructure planning

Chapters

• 01:46 - How the 2026 census was run and why it still matters

• 08:33 - Doubling the population without building new cities

• 13:34 - Migration and how multicultural Australia became

• 17:33 - An older country with smaller, changing households

• 32:10 - From factory floors to knowledge work — and 2066

About Simon Kuestenmacher

Simon Kuestenmacher is co-founder and Director – The Demographics Group.

Simon is a prolific media commentator on demographic and data matters and a columnist for The New Daily and The Australian newspapers.

He ranks as one of the world's Top 10 influencers in data visualisation. If you can't get enough of the kind of data that explains how the world works, make sure to follow Simon on LinkedIn or X (formerly Twitter) or any of his other social channels.

Click here for a media enquiry or if you would like to book Simon Kuestenmacher for a speaking engagement. His presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by audiences from the financial services, property, government, education, technology, retail and professional services industries, among others.

https://www.tdgp.com.au/enquire

About Michael Yardney

Michael Yardney - founder Metropole Property Strategists has been voted one of Australia's 50 most influential Thought Leaders.

While he is best known as a property expert, Michael is also Australia's leading expert in the psychology of success and wealth creation.

Michael is a #1 best selling author of 9 books and frequently challenges traditional finance advice with innovative ideas on property investment, personal finance and wealth creation.

Follow Michael on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Are you interested in property investment - let the team at Metropole build you a Strategic Property Plan to help give you clarity, direction and wealth - producing results.

Also, please subscribe to my other podcast, Property Investment & Wealth Creation Australia | The Michael Yardney Podcast. Just look for it wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future.

About Demographics Decoded

Demographics drive economic performance, workforce participation and long-term prosperity.

Demographics Decoded explores:

• Workforce participation trends in Australia

• Labour shortages and skills gaps

• Productivity and economic growth

• Urbanisation and employment hubs

• Small business and demographic demand

• The future of work in Australia

• Education, skills and economic mobility

• Regional economic development

If you're a business owner, investor or decision maker who wants to anticipate structural change rather than react to headlines, this podcast gives you the demographic intelligence to stay ahead.

Explore more insights at:
https://demographicsdecoded.com.au